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Yarmouth RNLI launched to suspected missing kite surfer

Lifeboats News Release

On 6 February 2024, Yarmouth’s all-weather RNLI lifeboat was tasked by HM Coastguard after the reports came in from the public that a kite surfer had potentially come into difficulty near St Catherine’s Point.

17-25 Yarmouth Lifeboat aerial shot taken from Helicopter during rough weather filming.

RNLI/Harrison Bates

17-25 in rough sea conditons

After being paged at 12:41, Yarmouth RNLI volunteer crew made good speed through force six to eight winds to the last known location of a kite surfer who had been seen by a concerned member of the public when after watching them for some time, had lost sight of them. It was then believed that there was an object that had been spotted in the water some 0.5 nautical miles offshore from St Catherine’s Lighthouse.


Within half an hour, Yarmouth RNLI Lifeboat arrived on scene and were guided by Needles Coastal Rescue and Ventnor Coastal Rescue teams to the suspected object, which when alongside was determined to be a large pot marker.


The all-weather lifeboat was then tasked by HM Coastguard to conduct a parallel line search pattern to the eastern side of St Catherine’s Point. On completion, at 3:15pm Coastguard requested that the RNLI crew extend the search and continue back to Yarmouth Station eastbound of the Isle of Wight instead of back around towards the Needles Lighthouse.


It was when Yarmouth Lifeboat had returned to station when Coastguard gave the good news that the suspected kite surfer had been located by the Needles Coastal Rescue Team safe and well on land.

Post recovery checks were made, and Yarmouth RNLI was marked as ready for service at 5pm.


A spokesperson from Yarmouth RNLI said

‘This was a perfect example of a call made with good intent. The member of the public made the right decision in making this call. We urge those out at sea, or along the coast to call 999 and ask for the Coastguard if they find themselves, or see someone in difficulty on or in the water.’


This was Yarmouth lifeboat’s third tasking of the year.

British and Irish waters are incredibly unpredictable and one of the biggest dangers with kitesurfing is kiting alone or in adverse conditions. Taking some simple steps to stay safe will reduce your chances of getting into trouble and help you get the most out of the sport you love. You can find more information and useful tips at www.rnli.org/safety/choose-your-activity/kitesurfing where the RNLI has worked alongside the British Kitesports Association (BKSA)


Notes to editors

  • Photo attached – 17-25 out in rough seas taken by RNLI/Harrison Bates

  • Yarmouth RNLI Lifeboat 17-25 Eric and Susan Hiscock ‘Wanderer’ came into service in 2001, prior to that Yarmouth RNLI had an Arun Class Lifeboat 52-08 Joy and John Wade which was in service for 23 years.

  • As well as 2024 being the year the RNLI celebrates its 200th year, it will also be Yarmouth Station's 100th year in service.




RNLI media contacts

  • Hebe Gregory, Yarmouth RNLI Trainee Lifeboat Press Officer,

[email protected]

  • Hatti Mellor, Regional Communications Manager (South East & London),

[email protected]

  • Julie Rainey, Regional Communications Lead (South East),

[email protected]


For enquiries outside normal business hours, contact the RNLI duty press officer on 01202 336789


RNLI online

For more information, please visit the RNLI website or Facebook, Twitter and YouTube. News releases, videos and photos are available on the RNLI News Centre.



Key facts about the RNLI

The RNLI charity saves lives at sea. Its volunteers provide a 24-hour search and rescue service around the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland coasts. The RNLI operates over 238 lifeboat stations in the UK and Ireland and, in a normal year, more than 240 lifeguard units on beaches around the UK and Channel Islands. The RNLI is independent of Coastguard and government and depends on voluntary donations and legacies to maintain its rescue service.



RNLI at 200

On 4 March 2024, the RNLI celebrates 200 years of saving lives at sea – thanks to volunteers giving their time to save others, all funded by voluntary public donations. Throughout its 200th anniversary year, the charity is running events and activities to commemorate its history, celebrate the lifesaving service it provides today, and inspire generations of future lifesavers and supporters. For more information visit RNLI.org/200.




Key facts about the RNLI

The RNLI charity saves lives at sea. Its volunteers provide a 24-hour search and rescue service around the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland coasts. The RNLI operates 238 lifeboat stations in the UK and Ireland and more than 240 lifeguard units on beaches around the UK and Channel Islands. The RNLI is independent of Coastguard and government and depends on voluntary donations and legacies to maintain its rescue service. Since the RNLI was founded in 1824, its lifeboat crews and lifeguards have saved over 146,000 lives.

Learn more about the RNLI

For more information please visit the RNLI website or Facebook, Twitter and YouTube. News releases, videos and photos are available on the News Centre.

Contacting the RNLI - public enquiries

Members of the public may contact the RNLI on 0300 300 9990 (UK) or 1800 991802 (Ireland) or by email.

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